But that's not all. This cosmopolitan city on the Atlantic Ocean also has some fantastic beaches - each more heavenly than the next. There is plenty of variety - you can go surfing, diving, sunbathing, sightseeing or just watch the sun go down. Dazzling blue skies, palm trees, exotic lifestyle, art deco and the friendly, relaxed attitude of the locals mean you will fall in love with the city at first sight.

The Botanical Gardens in Kirstenbosch are among the largest in the world and are home to the most varied selection of flora anywhere in the world. The city boasts interesting museums and lively markets - pure folklore - in incomparable colors. The waterfront and the lively pubs on Long Street guarantee endless amusement, and trips to the varied surroundings, such as the Cape Peninsula or the Wine Country, prove to be an unforgettable experience.

This is where the Islamic community, known as the Cape Malays as they are descendants of the slaves once brought in from the East Indies, live. Visitors are urged to respect their lifestyle. The pretty, peaceful district is very much in fashion, and is becoming increasingly popular. More and more people are discovering their fondness for the pretty little houses, most of which date back to the 18th century, and are settling here in the lovingly renovated and colorfully decorated buildings.

By calling in advance, you can follow the debates in house (August to December only) - a good opportunity to witness the politics of the new South Africa. There are guided tours through the Classicist building in the mornings Monday through to Friday (January to July).

It is a magnet for the curious, the fashionable and the tourists, who browse through antique shops, junk stores and designer boutiques on the lookout for a bargain before seeking sustenance in one of the cool restaurants or Indian take-outs. There are art galleries for the aesthetics and fashionable discos for night owls - it appears to have everything! A cross-section of authentic Cape Town life.

Some people buy souvenirs, others immerse themselves into the experience and just drift from one stall to another over the three stories of the market. There is also a café where you can rest your legs, a hairdresser where you can get plaits woven into your hair and a dressmaker where you can get some of the wonderful fabrics made into something right away.

Natural and cultural history are not neglected either. There is also a planetarium, the ceiling of which is lit up by the glittering canopy of southern hemisphere stars. Various programs bring both young and old slightly closer to the heavens.

The largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere offers all visitors a real insight into the shimmering world of the seas. You can look at tiny creatures under a microscope, and you can even pick up other inhabitants of the sea. There are also video guides which tell you about the varied flora and fauna of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Bars, shops, cinemas, hotels, restaurants, glamor and nightlife - the waterfront offers everything to excite both tourists and locals alike. You can see the many different facets of South Africa in the museums and markets which are now seamlessly integrated into this brave new world. A spectacular place and an experience not to be missed.

Around 1,500 types of plants, including some endemic plants, thrive on Table Mountain. The Fynbos flora, in particular, blooms in all colors between September and November and small, playful hyraxes jump around all over the plateau. The unique flora and fauna, which are severely endangered because of the large numbers of tourists and bush fires, are now protected as the mountain has been declared a national park.